The Head Pastor of the Family Chapel International in Kumasi, Rev. Dr. Victor Osei, has challenged pastors to constantly upgrade their knowledge and skills to enable them meet modern administrative and leadership demands in the ministry.
The Head Pastor noted that when pastors acquire the skills to attract professionals, diplomats and experts into their congregations, the less privileged would be encouraged to join such congregations.
He also urged pastors to be mindful of the language they use while preaching since according to him, "the language you use determines the quality of your congregation".
Rev. Dr. Osei was addressing present and past students of the Christian Leadership Institute, the Bible College of the Living Grace Ministries,(LGM) in Sunyani. He spoke on the theme, "Upgrading Yourself in the Ministry".
Rev. Osei pointed out that the language pastors use determines the kind of people who would relate to them and their churches.
He noted that when pastors speak good english and preach sermons that challenge the mind and heart, they touch the very educated people in the community.
"When pastors use very good english during sermons, they touch the lives of the elite in the society who ultimately become members of their congregations", he said. Rev. Osei therefore charged the students to make concerted efforts at improving their understanding and usage of the universal english language.
Touching on time management, Rev. Osei reminded the students that time is the most important asset they have apart from people. He expressed regret that most Africans have no regard for time, the reason for which the continent lacks behind in development.
Rev. Osei therefore entreated the students to respect time in everything they do to enable them accomplish their assignments in the house of the Lord."Time offers opportunities and any one desires to make any impact must respect time", he said.
Rev. Osei pointed out that opportunities are life's way of creating platforms for any one who desires to succeed. He urged the students to be purposeful, watchful, smart, circumspect and prayerful since time waits for no man, adding that "you should not postpone what must be done today".
Rev. Osei asked the students to seek God's will because it saves time. He told them "when you know God's will, there is no need for prayer because God does what He must do for you in His will".
Rev. Osei urged the students to know when to get things done freely for them and when they must pay people to get things done. He advised them against doing all things by themselves which is waste of time and energy.
The General Overseer of the Living Grace Ministries and Executive Director of the Christian Leadership Institute, Rev. Dr. Richard Owusu Akyeaw, appreciated the time his colleague spent with the students and hoped they would make good use of the lessons they received.
He challenged the students to read wide to broaden their knowledge the ministry. Bishop Richard noted that the world is being managed by the very few who are constantly upgrading their skills and knowledge in their fields of endeavour.
Present at the session were the Deputy General Overseer of the Living Grace Ministries, Rev. Patrick Amoateng, the Dean of students of the Christian Leadership Institute, Rev. Aning Stephen Edward, the Music Director of LGM, Pastor Qadjo Oteng as well as the Administrator and Secretary of the LGM, Mrs. Doris Amoateng and Veronica Yeboah respectively.
